Tampons are discreet menstrual hygiene products designed to absorb blood. Available in various sizes and absorbency levels, tampons can be an ideal option for people experiencing heavy periods or preferring pads as an alternative option.
When using a tampon, it is vitally important that all instructions are strictly abided by in order to reduce risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) caused by improper usage or prolonged usage, including leaving one in too long.
Absorbent material
Tampons typically utilize cotton, viscose (rayon), or a blend of both as absorbent materials, with each being designed either for easy insertion with or without an applicator; they come equipped with strings for safe removal.
Although the US Food and Drug Administration has disproved any possibility of TSS from synthetic materials like rayon, such as was done during the 1980s when many cases of TSS were reported to the CDC. Because certain synthetic fibers amplified bacteria staph which causes TSS, which caused FDA no longer allow their inclusion in tampons.
Tampon design and composition also play an integral role in determining metal concentration levels within its product. Since decades past, their composition and design has remained relatively consistent – as evidenced by long histories of safe use. Manufacturers disclose all raw material components along their supply chains along with material processing information as well as probable impurities that might exist within them.
Applicator
Many girls find it easier to use an applicator when beginning their periods, to insert their tampon with ease and be as relaxed as possible during this process. Furthermore, they should switch out their tampon every few hours while opting for lower absorbency levels to prevent dryness or discomfort during their period.
Earl Haas invented the iconic menstrual tampon we are familiar with today in 1931. It consisted of tightly bound strips of dense cotton which could be inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, before later selling his patent to Gertrude Tendrich who went on to market the first commercial brand, Tampax.
Tampons have evolved since then to encompass multiple forms. Some feature plastic or cardboard applicators; some can even be manually inserted with one finger (digital tampons). Women sometimes prefer digital options due to being easier than traditional options to use without an applicator; some countries impose a “tampon tax,” a 10% goods and services tax on feminine hygiene products that is opposed by feminist activists.
String
String is a thin strand of fiber used for many different tasks, from wrapping gifts to creating friendship bracelets. It can also be interpreted figuratively: our team had an unbroken string of victories. Alternatively, menstruators can insert it directly into their vagina to manage menstrual flow more effectively.
Women used cotton pads prior to the development of tampons as a method of menstrual blood absorption. Unfortunately, this practice carried with it many cultural stigmas and was even thought by some people to rupture a girl’s hymen, thus endangering her virginity and potentially ending up as evidence against her in court proceedings.
Tampons can be an easy and safe way to manage menstrual flow, yet some individuals struggle with using them due to lack of information about tampon sizes and brands. Disabled menstruators face additional hurdles as many products don’t include braille or tactile features on the packaging which may present significant barriers when it comes to accessing information regarding menstruation health and fighting stigma associated with it.
Disposal
Though tampons may be easy to use, regular changes must be made in order to avoid toxic shock syndrome. If one leaves her tampon in longer than indicated on its package, she risks this serious medical emergency that requires prompt medical treatment.
Tampons should never be flushed down the toilet as their absorbent material can expand and create blockages in toilet pipes resulting in costly and unsanitized sewage backup.
Women often struggle to find safe and efficient ways to dispose of their tampons. This is particularly challenging for low-income and homeless menstruators who lack access to clean facilities and affordable tampons; without these resources available to them they may turn to unreliable alternatives like paper towels or rags that may leak blood into infections; which is why nonprofits like Homeless Period Project work tirelessly to distribute free tampons.
